Getting Started

Pre-Application Deadline to study abroad Fall 2025 - Spring 2026: December 10, 2024 11:59 PM

Studying abroad at USF is divided into 3 distinct phases. In Phase 1, students will focus on meeting with the appropriate advisors, researching potential study abroad programs, and submitting the USF pre-application by the December 10th deadline. Students whose USF pre-application is approved will then move onto Phase 2 and 3. By familiarizing yourself with the phases early you will be able to meet deadlines and study abroad!

If you are interested in studying abroad during the summer or short-term programs and immersions, please follow this page.

Phase 1: USF Pre-Application

The USF Pre-Application is required for USF students to study abroad during the Fall and/or Spring semesters. It is recommended that you meet with a study abroad advisor during your first year at USF.  Transfer students should also meet with a study abroad advisor during their first semester at USF.

  1. Submit Interest Form.
  2. Meet with a Study Abroad Advisor.
  3. Review eligibility requirements, tuition and fees, and scholarship opportunities.
  4. Research programs for academic and financial compatibility.
    • Make sure you know the program fee, visa costs and financial requirements, and other expenses. If you’re unsure, ask your study abroad advisor.
  5. Complete the graduation plan according to your College or School. 
    • Download CAS Grad Plan.  During the first semester of your sophomore year (September to November) CAS majors and eligible Transfer students should create their grad plan and have it reviewed and approved by your major academic advisor NOT your CASA Coach. Please allow enough time for your major academic advisor to review your grad plan. 
      • Psychology majors are encouraged to save your core courses and/or general electives when studying abroad. Please review the Psychology Study Abroad page.
    • SOM majors should consider prioritizing saving their core courses and/or general electives to take abroad if all possible. Use the SOM planning guide for reference.
      • Only first semester sophomores and eligible Transfer students should create their grad plan according to the planning guide and have it reviewed and approved by Ben Bottorff (bbbottorff@usfca.edu), not your major faculty advisor. Plan accordingly between September to November to allow enough time for Ben to review your grad plan. 
  6. Submit a USF pre-application for your chosen study abroad program by the December 10 deadline and upload your grad plan as part of the pre-application. Applications submitted after 11:59 PM December 10 will not be considered.
    • A complete pre-application consists of:
    1. Meeting with a Study Abroad Advisor.
    2. Reading and electronically signing the following forms: Affirmation, Disciplinary Clearance Release, Study Abroad Policies.
    3. Pre-Application Questions: no essays required, but answers are considered for quality and demonstrated interest in the chosen study abroad program.
    4. Upload Graduation Plan: must include the advisor's approval. Accepted approval forms are (1) a physical or digital signature or (2) a screenshot of email approval with the advisor name and email easily viewed.
  7. If your U.S. passport will not be valid at least 6 months after the end of your program, apply or renew now.

You will receive a decision on your USF Pre-Application in the third week of January after submission. If approved, you are now nominated to apply to your chosen study abroad program!

  • Review Nominated Students page
  • Apply directly to your host program according to their deadlines. Early applications are highly recommended.  
  • SLU-Madrid and AUP nominated students do not require an application as they will be nominated by our office. Exchange student programs will require a nomination from a USF study abroad advisor before starting an application. 
  • Please consult with USF study abroad advisor as some study abroad programs have specific instructions and requirements such as providing your official USF transcript or a faculty recommendation.
  • Please allow 4-6 weeks to hear back from your prospective program. If six weeks have passed, feel free to email the coordinator of your program to follow up with your application. For Sophia University Tokyo applicants, the acceptance process takes longer than other programs because the start of their semester isn’t until April for Spring semester admission.
  • If your U.S. passport will not be valid at least 6 months after the end of your program, apply or renew now.
  • Apply for Scholarships
  • Complete the following "post-decision" questionnaires through your online study abroad portal:
    • Passport Information Questionnaire
    • Emergency Contact Info Questionnaire
    • Domestic Health Insurance Info Questionnaire
       

Once you’ve been accepted into your host program, you can complete the remaining post-decision documents and prepare to go abroad.

  • Review the Pre-Departure page.
  • Confirm your host program acceptance with CGE.
  • Complete any host program application requirements to confirm your offer of acceptance. For some programs, USF may advance any required non-refundable enrollment deposits on your behalf.
  • Review your student visa application requirements and begin application process.
  • Complete remaining post-decision requirements through your online study abroad portal:
    • Submit an online Petition to Enroll in Another Institution (PEAI) form
    • Submit Leave of Absence form *External Programs only*
    • Electronically sign the Waiver of Liability
    • Ambassador Contact Info Questionnaire
    • Electronically sign the a) Trip Cancellation & Interruption Protection Plan b) Study Abroad Policies c) Sponsored Programs Information.
  • Attend mandatory Pre-Departure Meeting.
  • Make airline reservations upon receiving your student visa.
  • Obtain necessary immunizations and meet with your physician and/or mental health practitioner to discuss travel plans and handling of prescription medication abroad. 
  • Plan USF courses for your return semester with your faculty advisor or school Academic Dean in CASA. 
  • Pre-arrange USF Housing with Student Housing and Residential Education (SHaRE), or complete a Housing Release Form if you will not live on campus upon your return.
  • Spring semester study abroad students should complete their FAFSA application online before departing for their study abroad program.
  • Check out the Pre-Departure Resources on:
    • Passport & Visa Information
    • Travel Preparation & Arrival
    • Cultural Competence
    • Living Abroad